King Verago has a word with Skylar. He must face decisions as his way of living is about to change, along with that of his close friends. Migs, however, intervenes with king Verago about Skylar, while Tudor is confronted with his behaviour…
About this time Skylar, Luna, and Nico arrive at the Palace. From afar they can easily spot it, standing out from the rest of its environment through its colour and size. It's made out of stone bearing a sienna brown appearance and found on top of a double level platform foundation that consists of the same material. It has four pikes spiralling upward. The middle one, also the largest of all, has two entrances above each other, with the upper one being much smaller but big enough still to allow three Jaquins to fly through it simultaneously. Two streams of water flow from beside the bottom entrance of the Palace, where one splits into two streams. Each stream makes it down onto the rocks below through a small waterfall, where they form some sort of moat surrounding the Palace. Legend has it this structure once was a lone mountain, which was carved out on the inside by the first generation of Jaquins to function as a place of shelter, being modified and decorated in later times.
Skylar, Luna, and Nico enter the bottom entrance and fly through an elongated and grand hallway. It has round columns made from the same material as the outer wall. They stand along the centre line of the hallway in symmetrical pairs from beginning to end, decorated with lianas holding colourful flowers as they reach all the way up to support the roof which is high above them. Both walls on each side hold a raised and narrow walkway, each with an overgrown parapet. Each walkway has a few Jaquins sitting or lying on them comfortably. Underneath these walkways, open arches are found. Each of them leads to a different room, most of them meant for food storage. Having flown through the grand hall the three Jaquins arrive in the round throne room. This room is far broader but the roof near the walls is half the height of the one from the hallway and supported by columns also. The roof in the middle of the throne room spirals up extending to twice the height of the hallway itself. It narrows down toward the top much like a tower does but without floors to separate its spacious interior.
Together they approach a raised floor, from which one stands elevated to oversee the entire throne room and everyone inside it, on which a throne is built; it stands tall and is entirely made of the same stone the Palace is. On that throne, they see Skylar and Nico's father Verago, king of the Jaquins. He sits on it gracefully. Verago lets his eyes go through the crowded room. Finally, he fixates on one Jaquin: his eldest son. "Skylar." Verago says unmoved as the three of them touch down in front of him.
Mumbling inside the throne room dies down largely now Verago started to speak, eyes looking at him filled with great curiosity. "Ehm. Hi, dad. What – is going on?" Skylar carefully asks.
Verago looks his eldest son in the eyes with a serious look. Skylar and Luna feel as if punishment will follow suit. "I have good news. For all of us, and especially for you." Verago says.
"Well, I did not see this coming." Luna whispers filled with surprise.
"Luna, Nico. What I am about to say will also impact both of you." Verago says unmoved still.
"Wait, what?" both Nico and Luna reply confused.
Both radiate confusion, Nico from his face and Luna from her posture. "So, this is not just about Skylar? I see now why you wanted me and them in here." she adds.
Verago nods slightly at her remark. He looks intrinsically at all three now. "The reason why I brought you here is twofold. First, chief Zephyr informed me well on this. Elena, crown princess of Avalor, has been freed from captivity.' Verago says and continues after some relieved sighs and surprised gasps sound across the throne room, 'I do not know all of the details yet but one thing is certain: Shuriki has been defeated."
The moment Verago spoke those last words some cheers are heard throughout the throne room. These, however, are quickly followed by bursts of both cheerful shouts and celebration noises as all Jaquins present become joyous of the good news Verago just brought them. Nico also starts cheering as well, quickly followed by Skylar doing the very same. Verago sits gracefully before his throne and looks around bearing a huge smile due to this important victory, but also because of everyone reaching a state of euphoria. Some Jaquins cheer with their wings and front paws extended, while others start flying across the throne room. When Verago clears his throat loudly all Jaquins take their places once more and the cheerful sounds die down. "Also, this means I can now officially state that Avalor is freed from a reign of terror with the aid from us Jaquins…"
Without seemingly being affected by Skylar's outburst, Verago continues his speech: "It is important we retain close bonds with the royal family of Avalor now that they will be restored to power. No longer do we wish to see an evil power take over a kingdom… Therefore we must ensure Avalor becomes a safe place once more, and I want to see that safety preserved."
"Wow, dad!' Skylar says and cheers once more briefly, 'This is great! Avalor forever freed from that evil sorceress! What was her name?… Anyway, yeah! Finally, things go back to normal after such a long time." Skylar responds excitedly.
Verago nods slowly: "Yes, we sure had a tough battle against Shuriki! It took us a long time indeed. A very long time, but only so because she used powerful magic we were vulnerable against. We had no other option than to resort to guerrilla battles to strike blows into her strategy and corrupted reign over Avalor."
Skylar finds a moment to step in and prevent his father from ranting any further over Shuriki's devastating actions. "Dad, that was all? I mean, it is good to hear Shuriki is defeated and Avalor is safe once more. But… you know, there will be a speed race soon and Nico and I are training really hard now!" he asks joyous still.
"Second,' Verago continues looking Skylar straight in the eyes and ignoring his request, 'we came to an agreement. With "we" I mean the grandparents of Elena. They have decided, together with our loyal friend there, Esteban, to take rulership over Avalor now that they, too, have been freed. Unfortunately, we can no longer ask this from the – former king and queen of Avalor. They… lost their lives during the invasion of Shuriki as you well might know. However, since Elena is the crown princess of Avalor and soon is to become queen, I have decided it is of good interest to keep close ties with her. Skylar, you are the crown prince of Vallestrella. Therefore I have chosen you as our representative member of the Clan to maintain ties with Elena."
Nico gasps with surprise hearing his big brother going to fulfill an important role. It fills him with both joy and uncertainty. "Does this mean… Skylar will be gone for a long time, dad?" he carefully asks.
"Skylar… on a diplomatic mission?" Luna asks reluctant and frowns.
She clearly shows doubt over Verago's decision to appoint Skylar to such an important role in the relationship between Vallestrella and Avalor, considering the juvenile temptations Skylar's easily influenced by.
"The time has come for Skylar to grow more mature, I agree. He has a lot to learn still and I doubt not that he will.' Verago says smiling at Skylar, 'I have confidence in you, my son. After all, it is only royal of me to have Elena supported by another royal member. If you want to aid Elena the best you can you do need to grow less juvenile and more mature. Therefore, your presence at the side of Zephyr in Avalor is required where you will become a Guardian of Avalor."
"You are really sending him to Avalor?" Nico asks surprised still and a little sad also.
Verago nods once. The look on his face implies he gives Nico no reason to argue over his decision. He invigorates this with a curt reply: "Yes, Nico…"
Before Verago can continue, however, Skylar beats him to it and says with a voice full of enthusiasm: "Haha, I am going to become the best Guardian!"
Verago ignores Skylar. He uses a calm voice to continue explaining himself: "You are to undergo rigorous training, Skylar. Tomorrow you will go there and seek out chief Zephyr. When you go through the portal, a Jaquin will be waiting for you there. He will guide you to Zephyr. It is someone chief Zephyr speaks highly of. He is the current Navegera, and thus your trainer. His name is Cruz and…"
"Cruz!" Skylar and Luna simultaneously shout uncontrollably and thereby interrupting Verago.
"He is a great friend!" Skylar says excitedly.
"Yeah, and good-looking…" Luna adds whispering while blushing slightly.
"Good.' Verago says a curtly for being interrupted and looks at all three once, 'Now this is clear to all of you… Skylar, go prepare yourself. As I said, tomorrow you will enter the portal and find Cruz. Together you will go see chief Zephyr. Make sure to listen to both of them well. Do so and you will make me more proud even! Now, if you will excuse me, I have an audience to hold…"
Verago steps back onto his throne and sits down gracefully. He no longer looks at either Skylar, Luna, or Nico, but instead looks straight ahead toward the Palace's entrance. Together Skylar, Luna, and Nico turn around and take to flight to leave the Palace. When they are out of sight Verago sighs as a thought crosses his mind: *I hope Skylar will listen. Not just to me, but in particular to chief Zephyr. He knows best. It is, after all, in the best interest of both us Jaquins and the royal family of Avalor. From now on he needs to maintain the relationship with Avalor. It is an important task, but one I know he can… no, he must fulfill.*
It takes but a brief moment after Skylar, Luna and Nico have disappeared from his sight that Migs appears. He arrives at the moment Verago starts his audience, which he regularly holds. This way Jaquins can make requests or speak their minds on things they like to discuss. Migs approaches Verago and goes to sit in front of him and starts speaking after Verago nods at him: "I like to ask something of you, king Verago. Veje seems to have developed a habit of bringing in his quota late. Today is no different I am afraid."
Verago seems doubtful: "That is true. Do not forget he is consistent in his actions, despite that dawdling nature of his. Yet he has never failed to reach his quota."
"That I do not doubt. He is and likely will remain a high standard of loyalty towards you, King Verago. In that, I see a perfect timing for me to make an inquiry." Migs states confidently.
Verago looks at Migs questioningly: "I am all ears."
"If I may I want to request taking Veje with me on my hunt. He can still do this now the window for a hunt is at an optimum. I want to provide him with this opportunity. He is unlike each of the Royal Guard, who is husky build and able to lead a hunt, like me. Only Veje is not such a Jaquin.' Migs says confidently subsequently looking away for a second and continues at a serious tone of voice, 'Though I will question not how you decided to make him one of them. All I want is for him to understand the importance of a hunt. Perhaps he will feel even more a royal guard after having experienced one… Oh, and one more thing, king Verago. I heard Veje has not yet reached his quota for today. In order to reach it still, joining my hunt will secure this for him."
Verago smiles at Migs. His gentle look comforts Mig and takes a more relaxed posture while remaining in a sitting position. "I must thank you for the care you provide and the trust you place in others. Always trying to make everyone fit into the Clan the way you see fit. Migs, that is perhaps your most outstanding trait and the most important one for the Clan. I am always glad to have you around. You have my thanks!' Verago says to which Migs smiles and then bows his head little when hearing this compliment, 'Yet, I must ask of you one thing. I will accept your request for taking Veje with you, on one condition. Take Skylar with you, as well. I want him to grow more mature and a hunt is perfect to learn more on responsibility."
Migs nods hearing Verago's words but remains motionless when hearing about Skylar. He hesitates at first which clearly shows. Then he smiles once more and says: "Agreed. Once Skylar learnt some important things he will no doubt make a better prince and heir. I will make it so. Thank you for accepting my request, king Verago."
Meanwhile, Tudor's on his way to see Shaniqua. He wants to find her in their nest so he can consume a meal together with her. Halfway there, however, he's stopped in his tracks by Dióntan who starts flying in front of him to slow him down. "Yo, Tudor! I heard some members of the Clan want to speak with you about your jokes!" Dióntan says excitedly about having found Tudor.
"Hehe, finally! They are getting my jokes! I feel I always need to…' Tudor says seemingly relieved but changes his tone of voice rapidly, 'Wait, who is 'they'?"
Dióntan looks confused by Tudor's reply and frowns thinking: *I cannot fathom why he thinks that. That is not even what I meant!*
Dulce, who was following Dióntan, now arrives as well. She was able to overhear Tudor's reply. "Hello, Tudor. I came along with Dióntan to talk with you, and I will get to it right away. You see, the point of being nice, or pretending for that part,' Dulce says firm but calm, 'is to not say hurtful things to others when thoughts telling you this enter your mind."
Dióntan quickly adds: "He has a thick skull. Might take some time before what you just said gets in there… You know, like a day or – three."
"Hehe, you are not good at jokes, Dióntan. Unlike you, I mastered that skill." Tudor says confidently.
Dulce shakes her head and replies: "This is what I mean about those thoughts."
Tudor grins: "Me too. Dióntan should consider if what he says really are jokes."
"She, Tudor,' Dióntan states harsh, 'is referring to you!"
Tudor looks at Dulce disapprovingly: "I was being honest – for once."
Even though Dulce just told him he should take heed with his jokes and imply resistance to his own cause, Tudor's still filled with a feeling of righteousness that propels his motivation, absolving him of guilt toward those he jokes on, assuring himself he does just. A right thing to do in complementing his inner self…